Bikini Atoll Atomic Bomb Testing

613 Words2 Pages

In 1945 after achieving victory over Japan in the Pacific Ocean, the United States conducted the first of many atomic bomb testing on the island of Bikini Atoll from 1946 to 1958. This was to measure the effects of the atomic bombs on naval vessels. The first series of testing was called Operation Crossroads which consisted of dropping two atomic bombs at different times and locations on ninety decommissioned naval vessels. Bikini Atoll was chosen as the ideal place for this testing due to its austere location, weather, and climate. Although Operation Crossroads was deemed necessary by the United States Navy to measure the effects of Nuclear weapons on Navy vessels the tests resulted in the dislocation of the native population, failed to achieve the desired results due to human error, and resulted in long term radiation contamination. In order to prove this, I will discuss the operating environment, the nuclear tests, and the continued contamination of Bikini Atoll. …show more content…

Despite its tranquility and beauty, the island was chosen for the first of 23 atomic and hydrogen bombs from 1946 to 1958 because of its austere location away from regular traffic in sea and air. These tests were deemed necessary by U.S. President Harry S. Truman who issued a directive to conduct joint operations to test the effects of the weapons on U.S. Military Naval vessels, vehicles, and weapons. The tests also included live animals and equipment that were used to measure the effects. In order to conduct the tests the local population had to be displaced. The Bikini Atoll population were relocated 125 Miles to

More about Bikini Atoll Atomic Bomb Testing

Open Document